Hidden iOS 8 files reveal iPhone is about to get one of Google Now’s coolest new features

Google Now is one of the most exciting things to happen to the mobile industry in years, and Google has been working hard lately at adding even more smart functionality to its intelligent personal assistant. It looks like some of Google’s work with Google Now has inspired Apple, because new revelations suggest that one of Google’s most recent new feature additions will be making its way to iOS 8 as well.

As noted by developer Hamza Sood and picked up by 9to5Mac, hidden files in the first developer beta of iOS 8 show “parking pin” assets which are likely related to a new Maps feature that will help users remember where they parked their cars. The blog had previously reported that such a feature is coming to iOS in a future update.

Apple showed off a wide range of new iOS 8 features during its WWDC 2014 keynote last week, but it looks like the company is saving some surprises for its iPhone 6 launch event, which is expected to take place in September. From the looks of things, Maps will be a big part of that event — BGR reported on Monday that Apple accidentally revealed a much sought-after transit directions feature for its Maps app that is likely coming to iOS 8 or iOS 8.1.

The final iOS 8 build is expected to be released to the public in September ahead of Apple’s iPhone 6 release.